Biometrics on Mobile: Unlock the Nokia 2.3 Smartphone With Your Face

HMD Global has announced that its new Nokia 2.3 smartphone is now available for pre-order in the United States. The Android 10 device offers a 6.2″ HD+ screen and a 13MP/2MP dual camera with a “Recommended Shot” feature that will automatically take a few additional photos before and after the camera shudder is pressed. The feature is supposed to help users select the optimal version of their photo, which is to say that it will recommend the shot in which everyone is smiling and generally looks their best.

Other Nokia 2.3 highlights include a dedicated Google Assistant button and a battery that can last for up to two days thanks to its Adaptive Battery technology. The tech uses AI to gain a better understanding of a user’s app behavior and optimize the performance of the phone.

For security, the Nokia 2.3 comes with facial recognition capabilities, thereby allowing users to unlock their phone with a biometric scan. The 2.3 arrives several months after the Nokia 3 V, which also featured facial recognition. The earlier Nokia 9 PureView, meanwhile, offered both face and in-display fingerprint recognition.

“The Nokia 2.3 gives consumers access to two years of OS upgrades and three years of monthly security updates even in the affordable price tier,” said HMD Global Chief Product Officer Juho Sarvikas, stressing the phone’s Android 10 utility. “It offers industry leading AI for this segment, making it the ideal pick for those who rely on their smartphone as their primary screen.”

The Nokia 2.3 will be available in Sand and Charcoal, and will start at a reasonable $129 price point. Those interested in the device can place their order at Best Buy today, or at Amazon as of next week. The phone is expected to ship relatively soon, but HMD Global did not offer specific details.